Paradise’s Garber transitions to PV run scheme for Lions all-star game

Austin Garber spins down the sideline during practice Thursday as the Paradise High graduate gears up to play runner back for the South in the 40th Lions NorCal all-star showcase Saturday night at Oroville’s Harrison Stadium. The 11-man game kicks off at 7:30 p.m., with a special halftime celebration also scheduled honoring past alumni.
Photos by Jeff Larson — Paradise Post.

Oroville >> Austin Garber is back running the football, something he says he absolutely loves any time he gets the opportunity.

“I just love running the ball,” Garber said.

The Paradise High graduate will get that opportunity with the South all-stars in the 40th edition of the Lions Club NorCal all-star showcase Saturday at Oroville’s Harrison Stadium. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m., after the 8-man contest, with all proceeds benefitting Camp McCumber, a camp which hosts children with diabetes and helps them learn to live with the disease.

Tickets are $10.

Garber will run in the Pleasant Valley scheme as head coach Mark Cooley will direct the South team along with his five all-star players, two of whom are soon to be division I college football players headed to Fresno State and UNLV.

The scheme is the power I-formation, which Garber said Thursday he’s picking up quite nicely.

“The offense fits me more than the Wing-T,” he said.

That’s a scary thought given that Garber was a menace at times in the Bobcats’ backfield this past fall as a senior. He set seven school records, ran for over 2,100 yards and 4,000-plus in two seasons on varsity to move in the top-10 in the Northern Section career history with 4,051 yards in only 23 games played.

What Garber likes about the PV offense — other than running behind Syrus Tuitele and Ashton Morgan, a duo listed as a combined 600 pounds and nearly 13 inches tall — is that the offense allows for a clear path and vision once he touches the ball.

“It’s easier to read,” Garber said.

Garber will be joined on the South by Paradise teammates Riley Potthast and Nick Poliquin, the latter shared time in the Paradise backfield with Garber. Other key South players include quarterback Kyle Linquist of section and state champion PV, Nolan Goyet (E. Nicolaus RB), Kelly Jackson (Chico RB), Parker Dixon (Gridley RB), Luikini Lualemana (Biggs RB), among others.

For a complete list of Garber’s records at Paradise, see attached box.

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